The Korean War 1950-1953
Background
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Soviets liberated North Korea from Japanese
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USA liberated South Korea from Japanese
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38th parallel becomes boundary for North & South
Korea as they become independent nations
North Korea invaded South Korea and Truman
claimed the Truman Doctrine applied to Asia too
United Nations and Korea
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Security Council of UN passed a resolution to
commit troops to Korea
Soviets were boycotting Security Council ever since
the USA vetoed letting Red China into the UN
In all 16 nations took part under the UN flag but the
Americans dominated these forces
General Douglas MacArthur (American) was placed
in command of all UN troops.
UN (American) Forces Advance
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US lands forces at Inchon
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On Oct 7, 1950 US crosses
38th parallel into North Korea
United Nations Forces Advance
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USA considered turning the conflict into a war of
liberation
Might involve a threat of Soviet retaliation in
Europe
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NATO did some scrambling to re-arm in Europe
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Re-arming Germany was even being reconsidered
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Focus of Cold war was in Europe but Korea was a
good example of a 'client war'
Communist advances
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On Oct 26 Chinese troops advanced and pushed the
Americans well back of the 38th parallel within 2
weeks
American Responses
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Truman talked about using A-Bombs
British Prime Minister visiyed Truman and talked
him out of the A-Bomb approach
Instead defence budget increased from $13.5 - $50
billion as well as a 50% increase in army to 3.5
million men
Jan-Feb 1951 MacArthur pushed Chinese back to
38th parallel
American Response
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Truman changed from war of liberation to
containment
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MacArthur did not. Led to Truman-MacArthur split
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Truman fires MacArthur on Apr 11, 1951
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American people disappointed Truman denied them
victory in Korea
Un-American activities gained popularity in US
New Leaders and Peace
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War essentially over but peace talks dragged on for 2
years
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1952 Eisenhower elected as US president (Nixon VP)
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They promised end to war
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Red China was threatened with A-Bomb if they didn't
release American POW's
Chinese agreed to POW terms on July 23, 1953 and
military armistice